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The Role of Young Lasallians

In 1662, at the age of ten, De La Salle received the tonsure at the Cathedral of Reims. It was a symbolic showing of his interest in the priesthood. The cathedral eventually became the place where De La Salle said his first mass.

Young Lasallians include those who are involved with, and benefit from, the Lasallian Educational Mission—including current and former students, lay volunteers, teachers, faculty and staff, administrators, and young Brothers. This particular age group of 16-35 has great influence on the mission as a whole, coming up with creative and innovative ways to keep the Lasallian spirit alive. These individuals have been positively affected by their Lasallian experience and seek to further their connection to it.

The term “Young Lasallian” unites all who are connected to the mission of transforming the lives of young people, especially the poor, through education. They commit to Lasallian values of faith, service, and community in dedication to the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle. It is an international movement, keeping young adults engaged in the Lasallian mission through faith sharing, service of the poor through education, and community building.

The Young Lasallian Structure and Its Impact

There are two councils that guide the work of the Young Lasallians: The Regional Council of Young Lasallians directing Young Lasallians throughout the Lasallian Region of North America and The International Council of Young Lasallians which works to promote furthering the mission in collaboration with regional councils.  Each council provides such things as formation and education opportunities, a forum for exchange of ideas, and developing new initiatives and resources.

Young Lasallians eventually become Lasallian educators, benefactors, board members, church leaders, and staff professionals. This emergence of young leaders carrying the Lasallian charism is timely and important, as a growing number of Christian Brothers reach their senior years and retire. The ultimate goal of the program is to make sure the 340-year legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers lives on long into the future.